Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease is a tremendous challenge, but many families will choose home care in order to keep their loved one in order to provide them with a comfortable and familiar living space. This kind of care is all-encompassing and requires many lifestyle changes in many areas: grooming and hygiene, home safety, and daily activities. It's also a form of care that requires adapting to new situations and conditions, and we've put together a list of products that are useful to have on hand in order to respond to your loved one's needs and ensure their safety.

One of the most common concerns and dangers for Alzheimer's patients is wandering, which can cause confusion, getting lost, exposure to elements, and falls or other accidents. As a caregiver, you'll need to know how to limit wandering, and that includes when you may be asleep or otherwise indisposed. This alarm, easy to both install and use, has a 10-foot wide detection range, and is adjustable to detect motion in a precise area. Its small size makes it versatile enough to place just about anywhere, and it can be used with or without a nurse call system, and has both an 85 dB tone alarm or chime setting. There are many options for alerting caregivers to wandering, but for patients with some degree of independence, a motion alarm at their boundary can allow freedom while still reassuring you that they're safe at home.

Wandering occurs in 60% of patients with dementia. It's important to assess your home for wandering dangers when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's; this may mean installing additional locks, doorknob covers, or alarm sensors. It may also mean providing visual signals to your loved one that will prevent their using a doorway. This Doorway Stop Strip has large, red "STOP" and "DO NOT ENTER" signs on either side, which will act as a deterrent for loved ones. It's easy to install on any doorway, so you can give your loved ones a strong visual reminder of their environment and keep them safe at the same time.

Assisting an Alzheimer's patient with bathing is a difficult task, particularly if they're confused, frail, or unsteady. Having safety bars and a well-affixed bath mat can be a great help, but a sturdy shower chair is one of the safest choices you can make. HealthSmart's Bath Shower Chair Seat has an adjustable height and a backrest for comfort and stability, as well as a contoured seat with hand grips for your loved one to steady themselves when sitting or standing. Its rust-resistant aluminum frame can hold up to 325 pounds and stands on slip-resistant rubber tips for maximum stability. BactiX antimicrobial production helps prevent both germs and odors from sticking to the chair. For durability, comfort, and cleanliness in bathing Alzheimer's patients, this HealthSmart chair is the perfect option to assist you and your loved one.

Helping maintain the hygiene of an Alzheimer's patient can be difficult, especially when they're infirm or unsteady. Bathing can be a difficult task, and incontinence can be common. Incontinence carries with it many complications, from dry, irritated skin to rashes to infection, and frequent cleaning following incontinent episodes can contribute to skin irritation. Baza Cleanse and Protect is an all-in-one lotion in an foaming, no-rinse format, packaged in a squeezable spray bottle for convenient application. Its 2% dimethicone formula moisturizes skin while providing a barrier to protect it from drying out. It's pH-balanced to be non-irritating, and it has both antimicrobial and deodorizing properties to allow caregivers to clean patients efficiently and completely. It's not always possible to bathe an incontinent patient in a bath or shower; when it's not, rely on Baza Cleanse and Protect.

Dementia impacts more than just memory. Coordination and balance can also be disrupted by the impact of Alzheimer's disease. This may harm even the most basic activities we take for granted, such as reaching for items. Your loved one may have a limited range of motion, or balance impairments that can cause falls when reaching in formerly accessible places like closets or kitchen cabinets. A variety of reaching devices are available to assist with daily living, such as this Suction Cup Reacher. Lightweight and ergonomically designed, its trigger-style handgrips are easy for patients to use, and its slip-resistant suction cups allow for securely grabbing out-of-reach items.

Alzheimer's disease inhibits the brain's ability to use glucose for energy, and this lack of energy further impairs cognition and memory. Axona Powder uses a formula of medium-chain triglycerides, a form of dietary fat more easily metabolized, as an alternative form of energy for cerebral function. Axona can be mixed with most liquids or soft foods, and taking it once a day can help enhance memory recall and preserve cognition in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It's also safe to use with other common medications and treatments, and is strictly regulated by the FDA as a medical food. Caring for an Alzheimer's patient involves adapting every facet of a patient's daily activity to improve their quality of life, but dietary choices are often overlooked. Axona can help your loved one get the nutrients they need to preserve mental function and improve their memory.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! It's been a while since we've done a Trending Thursday Post, so what better time to showcase some of our best selling products than before Black Friday? (Hint: subscribe to our email to be the first to know of our Black Friday savings!)

So, without further ado, here are this week's trending and best selling products!

Trending Thursday: Week of November 19 - 23

﻿This is in stock, but it is going fast! ﻿Lidocaine 2% for injection is used for surgeries, dental work, pregnancy, and more. The solution is nonpyrogenic and helps in reducing pain or discomfort associated with these procedures. Lidocaine 2% stops pain fast by blocking the nerves associated with pain, and numbing the area for several hours. This product comes in 20mL as well as 1% for 10mL in a 50mL/vial, and remain sterile unless opened.

Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride, also known as normal saline, for injection, is a 20mL, sterile, multiple-dose sodium chloride in water for injection. Each milliliter contains 9mg of sodium chloride and 0.9% of benzyl alcohol that is added as a bacteriostatic preservative that allows you to reuse repeated withdrawals for up to 28 days. This also comes in 30mL.

Sodium Chloride 0.9% IV Bag for Injection are sterile, nonpyrogenic bags used for IV administration. Hospira Sodium Chloride ADD-Vantage Flexible Plastic Container has clearly labeled graduation marks and has a rigid saddle with a wide injection point that makes it quicker and easier to add medications with a reduced risk for contamination and needle sticks. Each 100mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride injection, USO contains 900mg Sodium Chloride in water for injection. The solution contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent, or added buffer, and each is intended only as a single dose injection. This case comes in 24, but if you want less of the IV bags, we also carry the Sodium Chloride 0.9% IV Bags 250mL in 2 bags.

Continuing to soar among the Holistic health communities, CBD Edible Gummies are a wonderful addition to your supplements. Terpene infused, and enriched with Phyto cannabinoid oil, these broad spectrum CBD gummies are made with CBD that is extracted from industrial hemp, that has been grown in the United States. The health benefits of CBD products are well established. For more information on CBD and the amazing health benefits for humans and pets, click here!

Dextrose for Injection IV Bags are 250mL that are used for IV therapy and administration. Each 100mL contains dextrose and hydrous 5g. Dextrose solutions without salts should not be used in blood transfusions because of possible Rouleau formation. This product is for use only with ADD-Vantage system components and comes in a single dose container.

Boiron Cold Calm Quick Dissolving Cold Relief Tablets are used to temporarily relieve cold symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and a minor sore throat. This medicine is an all natural, homeopathic medicine that naturally relieves cold symptoms. It is non drowsy, and there are no known drug interactions!

Face masks with ties are convenient and protective facial masks that are perfect for use during medical procedures. These Dynarex face masks are disposable, latex free, and offer a glass free filter. They also have a flexible nose piece, pleated mask that is easy to tie, are non linting, and the flexible nose piece allows for added closure and protection against bodily fluids.

Sani-Cloth Plus are alcohol based, non woven surface disinfectant wipes. They are designed to clean and disinfect hard surfaces, such as table top surfaces, medical equipment, shopping cards, and are safe to use for sanitizing children's toys. Quaternary low alcohol formula is contained throughout the wipe, which allows it to kill viruses, such as: E coli, Herpes Simplex Type 2, H1N1 Virus, Influenza A, RSV, HIV-1, and VRE. Each wipe is saturated with 2,500 ppm of active quaternary ammonium chlorides.

Feels Like Home, Soft Slipper Socks are cozy and comfortable warm socks that have treaded bottoms to help prevent slips and falls. Made with a warm chenille fabric, slip resistant sole, and are a one size fits most for convenience. These slipper socks are also latex free, and sold by the pair.

All of these and more can be found and purchased on our website at www.mountainside-medical.com, or by calling 1-888-687-4334 for more information!

Entering its 7th year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that was, and still is, fueled by the power of Social Media and collaboration.

#GivingTuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end of the year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year, and a growing catalog of resources.

What is #GivingTuesday?

#GivingTuesday was created by the team at the Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact, which is a cultural center in New York City that has been bringing people together around the values of service and giving back, since 1874!

#GivingTuesday connects diverse groups of individuals, communities, and organizations from around the world for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving. A team of influencers and founding partners joined forces, collaborating across sectors, offering expertise and working tirelessly, to launch #GivingTuesday and have continued to shape, grow and strengthen the movement.

#GivingTuesday utilizes the potential of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities. It provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources, and talents to address local challenges. It also brings together the collective power of a unique blend of partners - nonprofits, civic organizations, businesses and corporations, as well as families and individuals - to encourage and amplify small acts of kindness.

As a global movement, #GivingTuesday unites countries around the world by sharing the capacity to care for and empower one another.

What You Can Do

Give Back - Donate

Whether it's your time, money, or items, donating to your local charities, animal shelters, rescue missions, churches, schools, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations can create a world of difference in the lives of others. Donate to a charity or organization that has impacted your life. Remember to share that you gave and encourage your family and friends to join you in giving back on #GivingTuesday.

Donations don't necessarily have to be monetary. Reach out to local organizations and see what items they need the most and collect them. Be creative with your ideas.

For instance: donate blankets, paper towels, or newspapers to your local humane society or veterinary clinic, donate food to your local food bank, donate blood to the Red Cross, for your next birthday or holiday, ask for charitable donations instead of gifts, create gift baskets or care packages for soldiers overseas or for single mothers.

There are many ways to donate, and many items to donate for any organization. Below are some examples of items that you could donate!

Donate a Dog Life Saving Kit to your local police station. A K9 Naloxone Kit treats and revives police dogs from overdoses. As they do their duty of searching for substances, dogs can accidentally ingest life-threatening, harmful drugs, particularly narcotics and opioids.

Donate an Emergency Trauma Response Kit to your local schools, businesses, hospitals, or any organization that could benefit from a kit such as this. Our Emergency Trauma kits contain FDA approved medical supplies that are used by EMS responders to slow bleeding, cover wounds, and to help revive a person, if needed.

﻿Donate ﻿any First Aid Kits, or any first aid supplies, to organizations such as, the Red Cross, your local Rescue Mission or homeless shelters, your local Hospitals or Nursing Homes, Schools, etc.

Speak up and speak out! Search for nonprofits in your neighborhood and email them or call them to see how you can help. Become an advocate for an organization that has left an impact on your life. Consider holding a public event where you can raise awareness about the organization you are supporting. Research what the organization needs the most, write articles on those topics or give presentations highlighting those topics.

Host a community fundraiser with games, food, baked goods, or raffles and have a leader from the organization speak for a few minutes to inform the crowd a little bit about themselves. Afterward, donate any proceeds or items collected to that charity.

Give Back Your Time - Volunteer

Below are some sample ideas of how you can use your time wisely and give back to those in your community - not just on #GivingTuesday, but every day of the year:

Walk dogs at your local animal shelter

Help train service dogs

Foster animals that shelters don't have the space for

Organize a spay and neuter your pet program

Start a volunteer pet sitting business for your family, friends and neighbors

Feed and care for cats and dogs at your humane society

Organize a community blood drive

Send cards to soldiers serving overseas

Hold a bake sale for your favorite charity

Read books or letters to senior citizens, or to those who are visually impaired

Participate in a charity race

Contact a tree farm about donating and decorating Christmas trees to nursing homes, hospitals, or to families who can't afford to buy their own

Collect unused makeup and perfume to donate to a center for women

Organize a car wash and donate the profits to a charity

Help deliver meals and gifts to patients at a local hospital or nursing home

Tutor children during or after school

Collect and donate stuffed animals and give them to children in hospitals

Organize games and activities for children in hospitals or who are visiting hospitalized relatives

Knit or crochet baby blankets to be donated to hospitals or homeless shelters

Collect baby clothes and supplies to donate to new parents

Adopt a family or sponsor a child living in a foreign county

Donate used children's books, or adult books to a school or regular library

Deliver groceries and meals to elderly neighbors, or relatives

Host a holiday meal for senior citizens

Volunteer to cook or serve at a soup kitchen

Make birthday cards or gifts and visit those in nursing homes who may not have any family members

Rake leaves, shovel snow, clean, or mow the lawn for a senior citizen

Donate clothing and shoes to Good Will or a homeless shelter

Build a house with Habitat for Humanity

Think about your interests and what most appeals to you, then choose specific organizations pertaining to your interests to contact. Figure out how much time you can spend to volunteer, which will help you know what projects to pursue and it will also help volunteer coordinators organize. Next, do some research to see what projects you can do in your community, or look for organizations that are actively participating in #GivingTuesday. Lastly, start volunteering!

Give Pro Bono

If you're a professional, use your skills to help nonprofits with their campaigns. Search for pro bono opportunities or reach out to your local nonprofits to see how you can use your talents for good!

No matter what you choose to do, be sure to participate in #GivingTuesday next week. Kind people are the best people, and couldn't we all use a lot more kindness, care, and compassion in this world? Yes, we sure could.

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe and gets worse over time. COPD can cause coughing that produces large amounts of mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms.

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. However, up to 25% of people with COPD never smoked. Long term exposure to other lung irritants - such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dusts - may also contribute to COPD. A rare genetic condition called alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency can also cause the disease.

Overview of COPD

To understand COPD, it helps to understand how the lungs work. The air that you breathe goes down your windpipe into tubes in your lungs called bronchial tubes, or airways. Within the lungs, your bronchial tubes branch many times into thousands of smaller, thinner tubes called bronchioles. These tubes end in bunches of tiny round air sacs called alveoli.

Small blood vessels called capillaries run along the walls of the air sacs. When air reaches the air sacs, oxygen passes through the air sac walls into the blood of the capillaries. At the same time, a waste product called carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, moves from the capillaries into the air sacs. This process is called gas exchange, and brings in oxygen for the body to use for vital functions and removes C02.

The airways and air sacs are elastic or stretchy. When you breathe in, each air sac fills up with air. When you breathe out, the air sacs deflate and the air goes out. In COPD, less air flows in and out of the airways due to:

The airways and air sacs losing their elastic quality.

The walls between many of the air sacs being destroyed.

The walls of the airways becoming thick and inflamed.

The airways making more mucus than usual and becoming clogged.

In the US, the term COPD includes 2 main conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

In emphysema, the walls between many of the air sacs are damaged. As a result, the air sacs lose their shape and become floppy. This damage can destroy the walls of the air sacs, leading to fewer and larger air sacs, instead of many tiny ones. If this happens, the amount of gas exchange in the lungs is reduced.

In chronic bronchitis, the lining of the airways stays constantly irritated and inflamed, causing the lining to swell. A large amount of thick mucus forms in the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Most people who have COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, but the severity of each condition varies from person to person.

COPD is a major cause of disability, and it is the 4th leading cause of death in the US. Currently, 16 million people are diagnosed with COPD, and many more have the disease and don't even know it. COPD develops slowly, with symptoms worsening over time and limiting your ability to do routine activities. Severe COPD may prevent you from doing basic tasks such as, walking, cooking, or taking care of yourself.

Majority of the time, COPD is diagnosed in middle aged or older adults. The disease is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. COPD has no cure yet, and doctors are unsure of how to reverse the damage to the lungs. However, treatments and lifestyle changes can help you feel better, stay more active, and slow the progression of the disease.

Causes of COPD

Long term exposure to lung irritants that damage the lungs and the airways is usually the cause of COPD. In the US, the most common irritant that causes the disease is cigarette smoke. Pipe, cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke can also cause COPD, especially if the smoke is inhaled. Breathing in secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, or dusts from the environment or workplace can also contribute to COPD.

Rarely, a genetic condition called alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency may play a role in causing COPD. People who have this condition have low blood levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) - a protein made in the liver. Having a low level of the AAT protein can lead to lung damage and COPD if you are exposed to smoke or other lung irritants. If you have AAT deficiency and also smoke, COPD can worsen very quickly.

Some people who have asthma can develop COPD. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Treatment, such as nebulizers, inhalers, and acapella products usually can reverse the inflammation and narrowing that occurs in asthma.

Risk Factors for COPD

The main risk factor for COPD is smoking. Up to 75% of people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. People who have a family history of COPD are more likely to develop the disease if they smoke. As mentioned above, long term exposure to lung irritants is also a risk factor for COPD.

Most people who have COPD are at least 40 years of age when symptoms begin. Although uncommon, people younger than 40 can have COPD. This may occur if the individual has a predisposing health issue, such as AAT deficiency.

Screening & Preventing COPD

There are steps to prevent COPD before it starts. Even if you already have COPD, you can take steps to prevent complications and slow the progression of the disease.

The best way to prevent COPD is to not start smoking or to quit smoking. Since smoking is the leading cause of COPD, talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit. If you have trouble quitting smoking on your own, consider joining a support group. Many hospitals, workplaces, and community groups offer services to help people learn how to quit smoking. Ask for support in your efforts to quit.

In addition, try to avoid lung irritants that can contribute to COPD. If possible, avoid air pollution, chemical fumes, dusts, and secondhand smoke.

If you have COPD, follow your treatments exactly as your doctor prescribes. They can help you breathe easier, stay more active, and avoid or manage severe symptoms. Talk with your doctor about whether and when you should receive the flu and pneumonia vaccines. These vaccines can lower your chances of getting these illnesses, which are major health risks for people who have COPD.

Symptoms & Complications from COPD

At first, COPD may cause no symptoms, or only mild symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms usually become more severe. Common symptoms of COPD include:

An ongoing cough or a cough that produces a lot of mucus, also known as a smoker's cough.

Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity.

Wheezing, whistling, or squeaky sound when you breathe.

Chest tightness.

If you have COPD, you may often have colds or other respiratory infections, such as the flu. Not everyone who has the symptoms above has COPD. Likewise, not everyone who has COPD has those symptoms. Some of the symptoms of COPD are similar to the symptoms of other diseases and conditions. Your doctor can determine if you have COPD.

If you symptoms are mild, you may not notice them, or you may adjust your lifestyle to make breathing easier. For example, you can take the elevator instead of the stairs. Over time, symptoms may become severe enough to cause you to see a doctor. For example, becoming short of breath during a physical activity. The severity of your symptoms will depend on how much lung damage you have. If you continue smoking, the damage will occur faster than if you quit smoking.

Severe COPD can cause other symptoms, such as swelling your ankles, feet, or legs; weight loss, and lower muscle endurance. Some severe symptoms may require treatment in a hospital. You, or those around you should seek emergency care if you experience the following:

The recommended treatment for symptoms that are getting worse is not working

Diagnosing COPD

Your doctor will diagnose COPD based on your signs and symptoms, your medical and family histories, and test results. You doctor may ask whether you smoke or have had contact with lung irritants. If you have an ongoing cough, let your doctor know how long you've had it, how much you cough, and how much mucus comes up when you cough. You should also let your doctor know whether you have a family history of COPD.

Your doctor will examine you and use a stethoscope to listen for wheezing in your lungs or other abnormal chest sounds. They may also recommend one or more tests - such as pulmonary function tests - to accurately diagnose COPD.

Pulmonary Function Tests: measure how much air you can breathe in and out, how fast you can breathe air out, and how well your lungs deliver oxygen to your blood. The main test for COPD is spirometry. Other lung function tests, such as a lung diffusion capacity test, also might be used.

Spirometry: is a painless test where you will take a deep breath in, then blow as hard as you can into a tube connected to a small machine, called a spirometer. The machine measures how much air you breathe out and how fast you can blow air out. Your doctor may have you inhale medicine that helps open your airways, then blow into the tube again. They can then compare the test results before and after taking the medicine.

Spirometry can detect COPD before symptoms develop. Your doctor also might use the test results to find out how severe your COPD is and to help set your treatment goals. The test results also may help find out whether another condition, such as asthma or heart failure, is causing your symptoms.

Your doctor may also recommend other tests, such as a chest x-ray or CT scan. These tests create pictures of the structures inside of your chest and can show signs of COPD. They may also show whether another condition is causing your symptoms. They may recommend an arterial blood gas test, which measures the oxygen level in your blood using a sample of blood taken from an artery. The results from this test can show how severe your COPD is and whether you need oxygen therapy.

Treating COPD

COPD has no cure yet. However, lifestyle changes and treatments can help you feel better, stay more active, and slow the progression of the disease. The goals of COPD treatment include:

Relieving your symptoms

Slowing the progress of the disease

Improving your exercise tolerance or the ability to stay active

Preventing and treating complications

Improving your overall health

To assist with your treatment, your family doctor may advise you to see a pulmonologist - a doctor who specializes in treating lung disorders.

Aside from quitting smoking and avoiding lung irritants, you can also make more lifestyle changes that will better help you cope with your disease. For instance, if you have COPD, especially more severe forms, you may have trouble eating enough because of shortness of breath and fatigue. As a result, you may not receive all of the calories and nutrients you need, which can worsen your symptoms and raise your risk for infections.

Talk with your doctor about following an eating plan that will meet your nutritional needs. Your doctor may suggest eating smaller, more frequent meals, resting before eating, and taking vitamins or nutritional supplements. Also, talk with your doctor about what types of activity are safe for you. You may find it hard to remain active with your symptoms, but physical activity can strengthen the muscles that help you breathe and improve your overall wellness.

Bronchodilators: relax the muscles around your airways. This helps open your airways and makes breathing easier. Depending on the severity of your COPD, your doctor may prescribe short acting or long acting bronchodilators. Short acting bronchodilators last about 4-6 hours and should be used only when needed. Long acting bronchodilators last about 12 hours or more, and are used every day. If your COPD is mild, your doctor may only prescribe a short acting inhaled bronchodilator, and may only be used when the symptoms occur. If your COPD is moderate or severe, your doctor may prescribe regular treatment with short and long acting bronchodilators.

Most bronchodilators are taken using an inhaler. This device allows the medicine to go straight to your lungs. Not all inhalers are used the same way, so be sure to ask your health care provider to show you the correct way to use your inhaler.

Combination Bronchodilators Plus Inhaled Glucocorticosteroids: In general using inhaled steroids alone is not a preferred treatment. If your COPD is more severe, or if your symptoms flare up often, your doctor may prescribe a combination of medicines that include a bronchodilator and an inhaled steroid. Steroids help reduce airway inflammation. Your doctor may ask you to try inhaled steroids with the bronchodilator for a trial period of 6 weeks to 3 months to see if that helps relieve your breathing problems.

Flu and Pneumococcal Vaccination: Influenza and pneumonia can cause serious health problems for those with COPD. These vaccines can reduce your risk of getting these diseases. Talk to your doctor about the yearly flu vaccination and the pneumococcal vaccination.

Pulmonary Rehab: This is a broad program that helps improve the well-being of people who have chronic breathing problems. Rehab may include an exercise program, disease management training, and nutritional and psychological counseling. The program's goal is to help you stay active and carry out your daily activities.

Oxygen Therapy: If you have severe COPD and low levels of oxygen in your blood, oxygen therapy can help you breathe better. For this treatment, oxygen is delivered through nasal prongs or a mask. You may need extra oxygen all of the time or only at certain times. For some people who have severe COPD, using extra oxygen for most of the day can help them do tasks or activities while experiencing fewer symptoms, protect their hearts and other organs from damage, sleep more during the night and improve alertness during the day, and live longer.

﻿Surgery: ﻿Surgery may benefit some people who have COPD. Surgery usually is a last resort for people who have severe symptoms that have not improved from taking medications. Surgeries for people who have COPD that is mainly related to emphysema include a bullectomy and lung volume reduction surgery. A lung transplant might be an option for people who have very severe COPD.

Managing Life with COPD

While COPD doesn't currently have a cure, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and live your best life.

Avoid Lung Irritants: If you smoke, quit. There are many programs available at your disposal to help you quit smoking. Also, try to avoid lung irritants that can contribute to COPD, and keep these irritants out of your home. If your home is getting painted, or sprayed for insects, have it done when you can stay away for a while. If possible, keep your windows closed and stay at home when there is a lot of air pollution or dusts outside.

Get Ongoing Care: If you have COPD, it's important to receive ongoing medical care. Take all your medicines as your doctor prescribes and make sure to refill your prescriptions before they run out. Bring a list of all of the medicines you are taking when you have medical checkups. Talk with your doctor about whether and when you should get the flu and pneumonia vaccines. Also, as your doctor about other diseases for which COPD may increase your risk.

Manage COPD and Its Symptoms: Do activities slowly. Put items you use often in one easy to reach place. Find simple ways to cook, clean, and do other chores. Ask for help in making things more accessible in your house, so that you won't need to climb stairs as often. Keep your clothes loose, and wear clothes and shoes that are easy to put on and take off. Depending on how severe your disease is you may want to ask your family and friends for help with daily tasks.

Prepare for Emergencies: If you have COPD, know when and where to seek help for your symptoms. You should get emergency care if you have severe symptoms, such as trouble catching your breath or talking. Call your doctor if you notice that your symptoms are worsening or if you have signs of an infection, such as a fever. Your doctor may change or adjust your treatments to relieve and treat symptoms. Keep phone numbers handy for your doctor, hospital, and someone who can take you for medical care. You also should have hand directions to the doctor's office and hospital, as well as a list of all medications you are taking.

﻿Emotional Issues and Support: ﻿Living with COPD may cause fear, anxiety, depression, and stress. Talk about how you feel with your healthcare team. Talking to a professional counselor also might help. If you are depressed, your doctor may recommend medicines or other treatments that can improve your quality of life. Joining a patient support group may help you adjust to living with COPD. You can see how other people who have the same symptoms have coped with them. Support from family and friends also can help relieve stress and anxiety. Let your loved ones know how you feel and what they can do to help you.

There is no doubt about it, CBD has officially become the most popular product of the modern day wellness scene. It is taking the world by storm and people are lining up to add CBD products into their beauty regimens, their refrigerators, and even onto their menus. The trend of CBD is only increasing, with no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

As we've discussed in past blog posts, CBD contains many natural and holistic benefits for both people and pets! Below are 10 facts regarding CBD, which will hopefully answer any questions you may have regarding this booming topic.

10 Facts to Know About Cannabidiol

1. CBD is a Main Component of Cannabis

Yes, Cannabidiol is a primary component found in cannabis. It is one of more than 85 compounds that are unique to the plant and grouped under the umbrella term of cannabinoids. CBD and THC are the most prominent cannabinoids found in the plant, and because of that they have gone the heaviest scientific study.

2. CBD Will NOT Make You "High"

Despite being derived from cannabis, CBD does not and will not give you the "high" feeling that is associated with cannabis. That high is caused by THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. The main difference is that THC binds tightly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and throughout the body, while CBD does not bind to these receptors. Instead, CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors that send signals to wake up and strengthen the immune system naturally. Thus, CBD is considered therapeutic, not mind altering due to the lack of THC.

3. CBD is a Great Option for Those With Health Conditions

Because CBD will not make you feel intoxicated, it is a terrific option for parents, workers, and anyone else who doesn't want to compromise their mental clarity. Many health conditions, both severe and not, are treated with pharmaceutical drugs. Unfortunately, many of these drugs have unpleasant or dangerous side effects. In some cases, CBD may offer non-toxic, side effect free, natural benefits for those who want to avoid or reduce the number of medications that they are taking.

4. CBD Oil from Hemp Plants is Legal

CBD products come from either medical cannabis, or industrial hemp plants. While still illegal under federal law, cannabis is legal in several states. Industrial hemp, however, does not fall under these regulations because of its low THC content. This means that consumers are free to choose CBD as a natural supplement without worrying about any legal repercussions.

Many of these conditions are treated with a range of medications that carry heavy side effects. As the research develops, if CECD is found to be the cause of these conditions, CBD would help increase endocannabinoids in the body without many of the risks associated with pharmaceuticals.

The benefits of using CBD for your dog are incredible, with more and more people choosing this treatment for their pets. Products containing this substance have opened up a new world for Veterinary Medicine, and for those who believe in holistic health! In dogs, CBD is known to: treat seizures & epilepsy, relieve chronic pain & arthritis, boosts appetite, reduces anxiety, prevents & fight cancer, helps with inflammatory bowel disease, reduces autoimmune diseases, protects the nervous system, helps with neurodegenerative diseases, and promotes cardiovascular health! CBD for dogs is also legal and safe! Note: You should ONLY use non-THC CBD Oil. Some CBD oil products may contain THC, but these are NOT meant for dogs. In the event that your dog has consumed ANY product containing THC, contact a Veterinarian immediately!

8. CBD Oil Helps Children with Seizures and Epilepsy

Definitely one of the most exciting applications of CBD Oil is its potential impact for adults and children with epilepsy. Individuals who were experiencing dozens of seizures daily have found that CBD can dramatically decrease those numbers, and in some instances, eliminate them altogether! CBD provides a non-toxic, more natural alternative to pharmaceutical treatments, preventing children from experiencing long term damage or harmful side effects.

So, there you have it! 10 essential facts about CBD products that you may have not realized. As always, before taking any supplement, if you're on prescription medication, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure nothing will interact.

These are just a few of the products that we are offering and will be offering! Keep checking our website at www.mountainside-medical.com to purchase the above products, and be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter so you can be the first to know of any new products!